Roses come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from the classic red rose to pink, white, yellow, orange and many shades in between. The exact number of colors depends on how you categorize them, but estimates generally range from around 12 basic rose colors to over 100 when you include blends and variations.
In this article, we’ll provide a quick overview of the main rose color categories and explore just how many different shades exist when you factor in subtle variations. We’ll also look at some of the reasons behind the diversity in rose colors and how new colors are still being developed today.
The Main Rose Color Categories
These are the basic bucket categories that most roses will fall into:
| Red |
| Pink |
| White |
| Yellow |
| Orange |
| Purple |
| Lavender |
| Blue |
| Black |
| Green |
So at a high level, most experts agree there are around 10-12 distinct rose colors. But looking just at these general categories doesn’t fully capture the incredible diversity that exists. Next let’s explore just how many different shades and blends are found within each color family.
The Range of Shades Within Each Color
While a pure color like red or yellow may seem simple enough, there are in fact many subtle variations. Different rose types and breeding can produce lighter or darker shades of each hue. For example, red roses may range from a deep burgundy or maroon to a pale pink-red. Yellow roses come in warm golden yellows to pale lemon shades.
Some estimates suggest there are at least 9-12 distinct red shades and around 8 shades of pink roses. Pale blush pinks contrast with hot neon pinks. Yellow roses may have up to 20 recognized shades. Orange roses also vary from a soft peach to a bold burnt orange.
That’s just looking at single colors. There are also entire families of bi-color and blended roses. These exhibit multiple hues like red and white stripes or a orange-pink blend. Examples include the Leapfrog rose which features yellow petals streaked with red.
When you start accounting for all the subtle variations in hue, tonality and blends, the number of distinct rose “colors” quickly multiplies.
Why Such Diversity in Colors?
So where does all this variation in rose colors come from? It mainly comes down to selective breeding over many generations. Rose breeders have deliberately cross-pollinated flowers to create new colors and blends. Here are some of the main factors that contribute to the range of colors:
– Pigmentation – The natural pigments produced in rose flowers include anthocyanin (red, pink, purple), carotenoids (yellow, orange) and tannins (brown, black). Breeding roses with different pigment levels creates much of the color diversity.
– Hybridization – Crossing different colored roses mixes the pigments and results in new shades. Breeding a red and white rose can produce a striped bi-color bloom for instance.
– Genetics – Roses have 5 sets of chromosomes which allows for greater mixing of traits during hybridization. This increases variability compared to flowers with fewer chromosome sets.
– Mutations – Random genetic mutations can cause roses to gain or lose pigmentation, resulting in new colors. Exposure to radiation has produced mutant varieties.
– pH – The pH balance of soil can influence pigment production in roses. More alkaline soils intensify blue/purple hues while acidic soils favor red tones.
Deliberate breeding continues to yield new colors, especially blends, as rose producers try to meet consumer demand for novelty. Many new varieties are patented and introduced each year.
How Many Rose Colors Exist Today?
Given all these influences, just how many different rose colors are available today? There are probably too many subtle variations to count absolutely, but experts generally estimate between 120-150 distinct colors across all rose types.
The American Rose Society lists over 130 recognized exhibition rose colors that receive classification codes used in shows. These include standards like ‘Mandarin’ (orange-red) and ‘Purple Tiger’ (streaked purple & yellow).
The most diverse colors are found among large-flowered hybrid tea roses which may come in over 100 defined shades. Other estimates include:
– 50-80 colors of hybrid tea roses
– 30-40 colors of floribunda roses
– 12-18 colors of miniature roses
– 8-10 colors of climbing roses
So while the major hues number around 12, the total count reaches well over 100 thanks to breeding innovations. And new rose colors are still being actively developed through cross-breeding programs, so this number continues to grow.
Notable New & Unique Rose Colors
While red is the classic rose color, breeders are constantly introducing new unique shades. Here are some interesting examples:
| ‘Blue Moon’ – A lavender-blue tone, rare among roses. |
| ‘Ketchup & Mustard’ – Red & yellow striped novelty rose. |
| ‘Hot Lava’ – A unique orange-red breed. |
| ‘Brown Beauty’ – A rare dark chocolate brown. |
| ‘Green Ice’ – Pale green tone. |
These demonstrate how new pigments, color-mixing and genetic mutations continue to expand the palette of rose colors available. It’s what keeps rose breeding an active area of horticultural innovation.
Most Popular Rose Colors
While all these colors exist, some remain much more popular than others. Here are the top-selling rose colors:
| Red |
| Pink |
| White |
| Yellow |
| Orange |
| Purple |
Red is overwhelmingly the most popular, accounting for around 60% of roses sold. Pink follows at around 15-20%. More exotic colors like green or blue are rarer sights.
So breeders focus on producing new red variants knowing these will have the widest commercial appeal. The classic colors also carry traditional symbolism, with red conveying love and romance.
Factors Influencing Color Popularity
Aside from symbolism and tradition, other factors drive preference for certain rose colors:
– Availability – Red roses are the most widely grown. Rarer colors are more expensive to produce which limits quantities.
– Occasions – Red is favored for Valentine’s Day and romance, white for weddings. Yellow conveys friendship. Popular gifting occasions shape demand.
– Growing conditions – Some colors like purple require specific soil chemistry so are harder to grow commercially.
– Perceived attractiveness – Many buyers prefer classic bold reds over more unusual shades.
– Colour trends – New generations may embrace more non-traditional rose colors.
So red is poised to remain the runaway favorite, but niche demand exists for collectors seeking unique rose colors.
Conclusion
From just a dozen or so main categories, selective breeding has yielded over 150 distinct rose colors to date. The exact total is fluid as new shades are constantly being introduced by rose hybridizers. While classics like red and pink dominate sales, part of the rose’s enduring appeal lies in its incredible spectrum of floral colors and the potential for new variations.